Hellen is a feminine given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek goddess Helle, who was transformed into the Hellespont strait connecting the Aegean and Black Seas. The name Hellen is pronounced /ˈhɛlən/ in English and has been used throughout history, with notable figures such as Helen of Troy in Homer's Iliad and Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine the Great.
In various languages, Hellen can have different spellings and pronunciations:
- In Greek, it is written as Ἑλένη (Helēnē) or Έλενη (Éleni).
- In French, it appears as Héléne.
- In German and Scandinavian languages, it is often spelled Helene.
The name Hellen has been popular in many cultures throughout history. It was a common name among the ancient Greeks and Romans, and continues to be used today in various countries around the world, including Greece, France, Germany, Scandinavia, and English-speaking nations.
Some notable individuals with the name Hellen/Helen/Helena include:
- Helen of Troy, the legendary woman whose abduction sparked the Trojan War.
- Saint Helena (248–330 AD), mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, who is revered as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.
- Helen Keller (1880–1968), an American author, disability rights advocate, and lecturer who became deaf and blind after contracting an illness at 19 months old.
- Helen Mirren, DBE (born 1945), a British actress known for her extensive work in film, television, and stage.
The name Hellen has also been used as a given name for several characters in literature, such as:
- Helen Burns, a character from Charlotte Brontë's novel "Jane Eyre."
- Helen Schlegel, the elder sister in E.M. Forster's novel "Howards End."
In terms of name popularity, Hellen/Helen has been among the most popular names for girls throughout history. In English-speaking countries, it was particularly popular during the late 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries but has since declined in usage. However, it remains a classic and enduring choice for parents seeking a name with historical significance and timeless appeal.
Overall, Hellen is a name rich in history and cultural significance, drawing from its Greek origins and the notable figures who have borne this name throughout time. Its pronunciation and spelling may vary depending on the language and culture, but the essence of the name – strength, beauty, and resilience – remains consistent across its many iterations.
The name Hellen experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable peak during World War I and a steady decline afterwards. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, the number of births named Hellen ranged from a low of 5 to a high of 73 in 1914. However, by the mid-20th century, the name's popularity had waned significantly, with fewer than 50 births per year recorded between 1950 and 1989.
Interestingly, there was a resurgence in the popularity of the name Hellen in recent years, with over 70 births each year from 2006 to 2023. The highest number of births recorded in this period was 142 in 2023. Overall, between 1883 and 2023, there were a total of 8114 births with the name Hellen.